Navy Proceeds With Plan to Build Carrier-Based Drone Fleet - The industry currently has its eyes set on the unmanned carrier-launched surveillance and strike program, or UCLASS. The Navy is seeking an unmanned aerial system that can operate from an aircraft carrier, collect intelligence and strike targets. UCLASS is the only Navy drone program still in competition. CLICK HERE FOR STORY

DoD plots third chapter in Better Buying Power initiative - Frank Kendall, the undersecretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, said the next edition of the Pentagon's effort to improve its acquisition system will zero in on an issue that he has become increasingly worried about as sequestration-level budgets take a toll on DoD's investments in research and development. CLICK HERE FOR STORY

Why past performance must be part of acquisition reform - Past-performance data should be one of the most important factors in contractor selection. CLICK HERE FOR STORY

DoD to scrutinize GSA prices - Ginman issued a DoD policy dated March 13 that requires contracting officers to determine whether GSA’s prices are in fact fair and reasonable. CLICK for ARTICLE

Expanding Your Business and Working with the Big Guys – Becoming a Successful Subcontractor - Insights and Discussions with Prime Contractors

At the Western Dairyland Women's Business Conference - April 10 2014 - Eau Claire, WI with panel participants:

• Nicole Mueller, Business Manager, Belonger Corporation
• Sue Leith, PG, CPSM, Manager, Marketing, Ayres Associates
• Allan Kubisiak, Assistant Director, Material and Contracting, Marshfield Clinic
• Paul Wagner, Chairman and CEO, Minnesota Wire
• Moderator, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Obama Wants Federal Contractors to Pay Men and Women Equally CLICK HERE FOR STORY

On Friday senior congressional leaders released a string of letters they had sent to industry groups on Monday, letters that ask for input on reforming the Defense Department.  CLICK HERE FOR STORY

Department of Veterans Affairs Business Conference

How the VA Buys – Business Opportunities – Understanding Process and Procedures

April 8, 2014 – hosted by the 128^th ARW - http://www.wispro.org/eventdetail.asp?ID=821

This conference will focus on procurement procedures and business opportunities with the VISN 12 area consisting of Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Tomah, and Iron Mountain MI.

We will also be welcoming representatives from the contracting office of the 128th ARW, MMSD, and EPA.

This conference is a great opportunity for veteran owned firms, large firms looking for veteran owned business partners, small, woman, disadvantaged, and HUBZone firms to learn about the Department of Veterans Affairs procurement process, upcoming opportunities, meet with VA staff, and network with area businesses.

Contact Carol Murphy for additional information carolm@wispro.org or 414-270-3600 

2nd Annual Small Business Subcontracting Plan Workshop
Requirements, Implementation, Reporting and Audit Preparation
April 8, 2014 - Milwaukee, WI
CLICK HERE for updated information and registration

The Small Business Subcontracting Program is a CRITICAL aspect of federal contracting

A MUST ATTEND for any contractor that is required to have a SUBCONTRACTING PLAN. At this session experts will guide you through the various aspects of subcontracting .Whether you are a large business, federal agency or small business, understanding the requirements, development, implementation, auditability and management of the plan are critical to your efforts to be compliant to contract requirements and maintain an exemplary past performance record. The event will also cover topics critical to, small business liaison offices, small federal subcontractors, federal agency small business representatives, staff supporting federal contracts & federal supply chain, and contract administrators.
Presenters Include:
Phil Bail, Phil Bail & Associates, Eric Ness, U.S. Small Business Administration, Wisconsin Procurement Institute